Daiichi Sankyo, manufacturer of the blood pressure medication Benicar, released a statement saying it is prepared to settle more than 2,300 lawsuits for $300 million. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturer failed to warn consumers that the drug could cause gastrointestinal problems.
If you have filed a claim that is part of this class action, you have until Sept. 15, 2017 to opt in to the proposed settlement. If you suffered side effects while taking Benicar and you want to file a claim, you have until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 23 to submit the required paperwork.
The personal injury attorneys at the law offices of O’Connor, Acciani & Levy may be able to help you file a Benicar lawsuit or submit the required paperwork to opt in to the proposed settlement. We have many years of combined experience representing individuals who have been injured by defective drugs. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss how we can help you.
Terms Of Potential Settlement
Daiichi Sankyo’s proposed settlement creates a settlement fund that is capped at $300 million. The company claims that this amount will not affect its bottom line because the funds will be provided by several insurance policies.
Another condition of the settlement is that Daiichi Sankyo is not admitting any liability. The company has publicly stated that it believes the claims are meritless. However, it says that it thinks a settlement is in the best interest of all parties involved because it will allow everyone to move on.
The proposed settlement will be finalized if 95 percent of claimants opt in to the terms agreed upon by Daiichi Sankyo.
Dangers Of Benicar
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that Benicar can cause a variety of dangerous side effects, including sprue-like enteropathy, a serious condition that has many of the same symptoms of celiac disease. Taking this drug can also increase the risk of heart problems for diabetic patients.
Other serious side effects from Benicar can include:
- Kidney disease
- Kidney failure
- Inflammation of the intestines
- Severe, chronic diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
- High cholesterol
- Low blood pressure
- Unintended weight loss
Failure To Warn
In 2013, when the FDA learned of the link between Benicar and sprue-like enteropathy, it mandated that the drug’s label note this risk and list the associated side effects. Benicar labeling had not listed these side effects for over a decade while the drug was on the market.
Patients began filing lawsuits in 2014, alleging that the manufacturer did not properly warn them about the risks of taking Benicar and its sister drugs Benicar HCT, Tribenzor and Azor. They also alleged that the drug manufacturer misrepresented the safety of the medication.
Contact A Defective Drug Lawyer Today For A Free Consultation
If you were injured by Benicar or another defective drug, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer through a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.
At the law offices of O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, we are dedicated to helping victims of defective drugs obtain the compensation they deserve to pay for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering they have endured. We charge no upfront fees and receive compensation only if you do. Call now to discuss your case with our team.